A great piece of history I knew nothing about. Living history. But this is NOT just a piece about loss. Which makes it all the more compelling to listen to. The people in X-Town solidly recognized the largeness of development, but you heard an excitment in their voices. Maybe a level of outrage,but also surprise that THIS COULD BE DONE. Sean's connection to his own water main made this personal to the reporter. Who could have been your or me. Solid writing and creative production. Definitely good for New England region, but also for anyone who is paying attention to the world. This could be where the Quabbin Resevoir meets the Three Gorges Dam.

I heard this piece at the 3rd coast festival - I remember it moved me. I'm surprised to say this "private" listening moved me further.

It is a "report", but Cole flashes his personal passport to tell the story right from the top: the water HE uses, in HIS town, the water HE wastes comes from the sacrifice of those he asks to tell the story. It makes your ears open wide, right up front. It makes you trust the narrator.
The speakers are forthright - painfully evocative painting pictures, and feelings, and conflict. THere's something biblical about it. The editorial choices are exquisite with an occasional production flash (quasi-flambuoyant) of the narrator's personality. It's interesting how he's chosen NOT to be just reporting - he seems to want to remind you, quietly, that he may be letting the faucet run, but not without thought and a little bit of shared angst. The opening and close sfx well placed and happily not overdone.

I would be glad of a longer version. I could have listened longer to these people wrassle with the conflict, the nostalgia and the sorrow.

This is an evergreen piece, but especially meaningful around any issue about the planet. Nice work.
vm